FAQs

Below is a list of common questions related to fall semester 2021. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Continue to check this page for updates.

Faculty, staff, and students should call or text 540-421-3406 to report if you are symptomatic, have been exposed or have tested positive for COVID-19.

Health services will provide testing for EMU students only. Self-testing supplies will be available through Health Services for EMU employees.

For all emergencies, please contact 911. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency but have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell), see our Healthy & Safety section for testing and medical resources near campus.

Vaccination Athletics Admissions Lancaster Employees

Harrisonburg Campus Fall Semester 2021 Updates

We are in the process of finalizing plans for the next academic year. These FAQs will be updated to reflect those policies and procedures soon.

What are EMU's plans for fall semester 2021?
- Classes: We will conduct classes in the delivery mode they were accustomed to being offered before the pandemic. Most undergraduate courses will return to in-person instruction only. Some courses, including some graduate and certificate programs, will continue to be offered in the online or hybrid format.
- Residence Life: We are planning for a fully residential year for students, anticipating shared rooms to encourage more “normal” community-building.
- Health Protocols: Our masking and distancing practices will follow health guidelines from VDH/CDC. Decisions related to health protocols will take into consideration our local and regional case count.
- Student Life and Extracurricular Activities: We intend a full return to extra-curricular activities, including athletics, fine arts events, service opportunities, and other student life programming.
- Cross-culturals: Programming has resumed.
- Food Service: The Cafeteria, the Den and Common Grounds will be open to students, employees, and visitors. Gloves will be available for your use during food service. Masking should continue until seated for dining. The East dining hall is available for physically distanced dining for employees or students. Take-out food is available with a deposited “green on the go” box. Disposable take-out boxes are not available.
- Vaccinations: [see below]
Updated 8/10/21
What is EMU's current policy on masking?

The CDC has updated its masking recommendation for people gathering indoors in public spaces, even among vaccinated people.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors who gather in public indoor spaces on the EMU main campus will be required to wear a mask. Masking is optional in outdoor spaces.

Masks are required in shared office space. Masks are not required when working alone within private office spaces.

Updated 8/10/21
What is EMU's policy about COVID-19 vaccinations for students?

Notification of vaccination status will be required though EMU Health Services prior to the start of fall 2021 classes. Note that some services and activities may be unavailable to unvaccinated students.

Copies of vaccination cards to update your EMU health record can be emailed to covidhotline@emu.edu or https://emu.medicatconnect. com/.

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

Pending availability, we hope to provide vaccination opportunities for those who have not yet been vaccinated. We continue in direct partnership with VDH to support our community health. Visit the CDC website for information about vaccines.

EMU EMPLOYEES, please see more information in the Employee section.

Updated 5/27/2021
What is the plan for classroom instruction in the fall?
We will conduct classes in the delivery mode in which they were offered before the pandemic. We will NOT be offering hy-flex for traditional undergraduate classes on the Harrisonburg campus. That means most undergraduate course offerings will return to in-person instruction only.
Updated 5/12/21
What do I do if I am symptomatic for COVID-19?
If you are symptomatic, EMU faculty, staff, and students should call or text the COVID hotline (540-421-3406). You should also contact the COVID hotline if you are exposed or test positive.

If you are vaccinated:
- Call or text the COVID hotline.
- Get tested. EMU students may be tested at EMU Health Services. Employees may use a rapid-antigen self-test (free through Health Services) or get tested at a local facility.
- Report positive results to the COVID hotline and isolate for 10 days.
- If your test is negative and symptoms persist, retest in 3 days-if still negative wear a mask until no longer experiencing symptoms.
If you are not vaccinated:
- Call or text the COVID hotline.
- Get tested. EMU students may be tested at EMU Health Services. Employees may use a rapid-antigen self-test or get tested at a local facility.
- Report positive results to the COVID hotline and isolate for 10 days.
- For negative test results, continue to wear a mask in public, indoor spaces.
Updated 8/1/21
What if I am exposed to COVID-19?
Faculty, staff, and students should call or text 540-421-3406 to report if you are exposed (or symptomatic or have received a positive test result).

If you are vaccinated:
- Wear a mask in public at all times (indoors AND outdoors) for 14 days. You do not need to quarantine, unless you are symptomatic.
- Get tested within 3-5 days of exposure. Students may be tested at EMU Health Services, employees may use a rapid-antigen self-test or get tested at a local facility.
- If you experience symptoms after an initial negative test result, repeat the test when symptoms occur.
If you are unvaccinated:
- You are required to quarantine as soon as you know you have been exposed. Residential students will be notified about quarantine procedures when you call the hotline.
- Get tested within 3-5 days of exposure. Students may be tested at EMU Health Services, employees may use a rapid-antigen self-test or get tested at a local facility.
- Quarantine will be for 14 days from the date of exposure.
Updated 8/1/21
How can I get a test for COVID-19?

For students:

Students may be tested at Health Services.

For employees:

EMU employees are encouraged to use your health care provider and local resources for testing and medical needs. Testing is available locally at Walgreens (599 Mt. Clinton Pike), Medicap (https://www.medicap42. com/ and 2091 Pro Pointe Lane), CVS (various locations), Valley Urgent Care (119B University Ave.) and MedExpress Urgen Care (1840 E. Market St). A phone call ahead of time is suggested.

Self-testing rapid antigen testing kits are available at no cost from Health Services.

Updated 9/1/21
How do I report results of a positive rapid antigen self-test?

Send a photo of your results via email to covidhotline@emu.edu and text to the COVID hotline at 540-421-3406.

Updated 8/10/21
What information should I include when I leave a message on the COVID Hotline?
- Your full name
- Your call back number
- If reporting a positive test - the date and time you tested
Updated 8/10/21
How is EMU tracking COVID-19 on campus?

Monitoring of the health of our community is required by the VDH. Health Services, HR and Student Life are active partners in the monitoring.

The COVID-19 dashboard provides information about current case numbers.

If you are tested at a facility outside of EMU and you test positive, you will need to report it to your supervisor and to the COVID Hotline for adequate contact tracing.

Call or text EMU's COVID hotline 540-421-3406 if you are symptomatic, have been exposed or have a positive test result. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security.

Updated 9/1/2021
What cleaning/disinfection measures are in place?
Custodial services will return to pre-COVID cleaning routines Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Priority will be given to classrooms, restrooms, and public spaces.
- Restrooms and public spaces in residence halls will be cleaned daily, Monday through Friday.
- Classroom spaces will be cleaned based upon 25Live reservations.
- Disinfectant wipes are available in classrooms for student and faculty use.
- Office service will be limited to trash removal and vacuuming on a weekly basis. Additional trash bags are provided in the bottom of office trash cans. If trash needs to be emptied in the interim, it may be placed in a hall waste can.
- Cleaning supplies will be provided to offices as requested.
- Cleaning logs will be maintained by Facilities in all public restrooms.
- Handwashing facilities and access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers are available in all buildings.
Updated 8/10/21

Vaccination Information for Harrisonburg Students

For more information on why we are requiring vaccination and what resources are available to you visit emu.edu/coronavirus/vaccination

How do I get a vaccine?

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

If you live in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health has a website to register for vaccination.
How do I share my vaccination status with EMU?

Notification of vaccination status will be required through EMU Health Services by August 2.

Copies of vaccination cards to update your EMU health record can be emailed to covidhotline@emu.edu or https://emu.medicatconnect. com/.
When do I need to be vaccinated by?

Students who will attend in-person classes on the Harrisonburg campus must share your proof of vaccination by August 2. To be considered fully vaccinated you will need to obtain your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccination or your shot of the J&J vaccine at least two weeks prior to coming to campus.
What happens if a residential student misses the vaccination deadline or is not completely vaccinated by the time he/she moves onto campus?

You will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.

If you intend to get vaccinated, we will help you find a vaccination clinic.
If I choose not to get the vaccine, can I still live on campus?

You must fill out a waiver and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.
Will I need to be vaccinated in order to participate in athletics?

Athletes will either need to be vaccinated or will be required to participate in regular testing for COVID-19.

In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19, isolation and quarantine protocol will be in place for athletes who are not vaccinated.
Who will see my vaccination status?

Your vaccination information will be a part of your electronic medical record in Health Services and will only be made available to those you have given permission to have access to your medical record.
I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to be vaccinated?

Studies have shown that you do develop immunity after having had COVID-19 but the degree of immunity varies from person to person. To ensure adequate protection, obtaining the COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended by the CDC.
How do I get a waiver for vaccinations?

If you choose to obtain an exemption, a waiver is required.

Here is the link to our waiver form and instructions: https://emu.edu/studentlife/health/docs/vaccine-waiver.pdf
What happens if a residential student gets sick during the fall semester with COVID?

EMU will provide isolation space for residential students and provide the services those students need for your 10-day isolation period.
What happens if I am exposed to COVID-19 during the semester?

For vaccinated students exposure to COVID-19 does not require quarantine unless you become symptomatic. For unvaccinated students, exposure to COVID-19 will require quarantine.
What is your policy about rooming with an unvaccinated person?

We are working out details of housing for 2021-22 and plan to have an answer to this question soon.
If I don’t get the vaccine, are there certain programs I can’t participate in?

Showing a proof of vaccination may be a requirement to participate in off-campus experiences such as practica, internships, and mentorships. In some cases, these experiences are required by pre-professional programs (for example, nursing, social work and education all require interaction with external partners at off-campus sites).

Some cross-cultural programs must conform to international travel and in-country restrictions, which now include vaccination for COVID-19 in addition to other required or recommended vaccinations and immunizations.

We plan to work with each individual student.
What if the CDC determines booster shots are needed? What is your requirement?

If it is determined that a booster is required, EMU Health Services will work with the local public health department to make those boosters available to the EMU community.

Athletics

What is the spectator policy for fall semester athletics competitions?

Spectators can attend fall semester athletics events.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors who gather in public indoor spaces on the EMU main campus will be required to wear a mask.

Updated 9/1/21
Is a vaccination required to participate in athletics?

Student athletes are required to submit proof of vaccination or waiver in order to participate in athletics. For more specific information, visit https://emu.edu/coronavirus/vaccination.

Updated 9/1/2021
What health protocols are in place for student-athletes?

Unvaccinated student-athletes and athletic staff will be tested with rapid antigen tests three times per week. Testing will be administered by the athletic trainers in the athletic training room. Individuals testing positive will be placed in isolation for 10 days and all unvaccinated athletes and staff associated with the team will be placed in quarantine for 14 days through contact tracing.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors who gather in public indoor spaces on the EMU main campus will be required to wear a mask.

The athletic training room is considered a healthcare facility. As per state order, all persons entering the facility must wear a mask.

Masks are not required during practices or contests.

Current policies and practices may be altered based on increased positivity rates in the local community and recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.

Updated 9/1/2021

Admissions

Does EMU have a deposit deadline? Is it extended due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

EMU has a rolling admissions process and does not have a deadline for students to make a college decision.

Updated 5/3/21

Is EMU’s campus open for a tour before I make a decision?

There are many ways to visit EMU that are designed to account for a wide variety of scenarios and meet prospective students/families where they are at. For more details, please see www.emu.edu/visit. In addition to an in-person visit, we invite you to explore alternative visit opportunities:

Live Virtual Open House - interact online and hear from faculty, staff, and current students.

At-a-Glance Visit - join us online or on-campus for a campus tour and information session.

Virtual Daily Visit - schedule a meeting with your admissions counselor, financial assistance representative, professor, or coach.

Virtual Tour

Updated 5/3/21

The SAT/ACT I signed up for was canceled and I do not have a previous score. Will EMU accept my application?

Yes, EMU waived its test score requirement for fall 2020 admission and is making this a permanent change for subsequent enrollment semesters (including spring 2021 and fall 2021). EMU will continue to thoroughly review a student’s application, transcript(s), and any additional supporting application materials to make an admission decision. If more information is needed, your admissions counselor will reach out to you and let you know about the additional steps. Students may still submit SAT/ACT scores for consideration in the application review process through the test source or by emailing a PDF copy of your score report to admiss@emu.edu or your admissions counselor.

Updated 5/3/21

I am having issues getting my transcript sent. Can I submit an unofficial transcript to EMU for my application?

Yes, you may submit an unofficial transcript for initial admission review to admiss@emu.edu or your admissions counselor. Students are required to submit official transcripts prior to starting classes as an EMU student.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Will pass/no pass courses satisfy any requirement EMU has for admissions?

Yes, courses that are pass/no pass will be accepted by the school for admission review. Confirmation of graduation is required prior to starting classes as an EMU student.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Will my pass/fail courses from community college/dual enrollment classes be accepted?

Yes, they will be accepted as long as the “pass” equals a C or higher. If you have any questions, please contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Reviewed 5/3/21

I have been admitted to EMU and received a financial aid notification. However my financial situation has changed because of COVID-19, is there any additional help?

Please contact your admissions counselor or the financial assistance office to talk about options available to your specific situation.

Reviewed 5/3/21

How is class registration and summer orientation taking place?

Orientation and class registration are available both virtually and on campus. Please find more information and select a registration option at www.emu.edu/soar.

Updated 5/3/21

Are there any additional resources for parents of incoming students?

We know the college selection process is often a family decision. We invite you to visit the EMU Parents page here and the recent Parent/Family Forum recording here.

Updated 5/3/21

I am planning to be a varsity athlete at EMU. How has COVID-19 impacted athletics?

Please see the athletics FAQ section.

I am considering taking a gap semester or gap year. What is EMU’s policy for deferring admission?

Students have the option to defer their admission to the following spring or fall semester. Please contact your admissions counselor or the financial assistance office to discuss any possible implications for making an informed decision. In some instances, certain grants or scholarships might be specific to a fall 2020 start date.

Reviewed 5/3/21

Employees

What about vaccinations for employees?

We strongly recommend that faculty and staff get vaccinated. Please email a copy of your vaccination card to covidhotline@emu.edu.

The Virginia Department of Health has opened a new website to preregister for vaccination.

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

If you are on the EMU Health Plan, a COVID vaccination is a covered expense. More info is here.

For information about students and vaccinations, see the "Health and Safety" section or the "Fall Semester Updates" section.

Updated 8/10/2021
What is EMU’s current policy regarding masking?

The CDC has updated its masking recommendation for people gathering indoors in public spaces, even among vaccinated people.

All students, faculty, staff and visitors who gather in public indoor spaces on the EMU main campus will be required to wear a mask. Masking is optional in outdoor spaces.

Masks are required in shared office space. Masks are not required when working alone within private office spaces.

Updated 9/1/21
What do I need to know about travel?

EMU-sponsored travel is approved for fully vaccinated employees and should be planned in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Updated 5/10/21
What steps are supervisors taking to address workplace harassment related to COVID-19?

EMU will not tolerate the harassment of employees for any stigma surrounding COVID-19. Harassment against any employee or student who is diagnosed with COVID-19, lives with someone who is diagnosed, or is exposed, should be stopped immediately. Supervisors should establish this expectation with their employees as soon as they return to campus. Address harassment quickly and directly. Seek advice from your supervisor and Human Resources as needed.

Updated 8/16/20
What should I do if I am at high-risk for COVID, have underlying health factors, and/or don't feel safe returning to campus?

Talk to your supervisor about options related to remote work.

Updated 8/10/21
Who should employees contact if they have questions not addressed in the FAQs?

Contact HR (hr@emu.edu) if you have additional questions or specific questions related to your work.

Updated 5/11/21

EMU at Lancaster

Promoting a Community of Care

MITIGATION

In light of substantial transmission levels of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant virus in our region, CDC recommendations related to mask-wearing, and the inability of children under the age of 12 to be vaccinated, effective Monday, August 16, face masks will be required indoors at the EMU at Lancaster facility except when seated or teaching in a physically distanced work or learning space.

REPORTING

If you are symptomatic, exposed, or test positive, EMU at Lancaster faculty, staff, and students should call or text the LANCASTER COVID hotline (717-844-1675).

Employees and students are encouraged to use their health care provider and local resources for testing and medical needs. Report positive results to the COVID hotline and isolate for 10 days.

QUARANTINE (per CDC)

Persons who are unvaccinated will need to quarantine immediately if symptomatic or exposed, and be tested.
People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.